Auditions for Fresno production of ‘The Nutcracker’ set for June 24

Open auditions for over 120 student roles in Fresno Ballet Theatre’s 2017 production of “The Nutcracker” sponsored by Valley Performing Arts Council, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on June 24 in the dance studio of the music building at California State University, Fresno. Roles are available for male and female dance, gymnastics and cheer, students of all experience levels, ages 5 and up.

Auditions are divided into four categories based on height and dance experience. Specific audition times for each role or category of dancers is available at www.valleyperformingartscouncil.org, Facebook or by picking up a flyer at Northwest Studio of Ballet. To participate in auditions, children must be 5 years old by Aug. 1, 2017. Dancers may audition for more than one part; audition results will be announced on the same day as auditions. Parent meetings will also be held on audition day.

Rehearsals will begin on Aug. 12, with Ron Cunningham, Sacramento Ballet Artistic Director and Yukari Thiesen, Fresno Ballet Theatre Artistic Director.

Performances of VPAC’S “The Nutcracker” with the nationally acclaimed Sacramento Ballet are scheduled for Nov. 25 and 26 at the William Saroyan Theatre. Student performers will be on stage alongside professional dancers from the Sacramento Ballet.

Students accepted to perform in the “The Nutcracker” will be eligible to perform in a March production of “Romeo and Juliet” being presented by State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara and Fresno Ballet Theatre.